Is A DUI Or DWI Really A Serious Infraction

Is A DUI Or DWI Really A Serious Infraction

Are you thinking about drinking and driving or wondering if you are fit to drive after getting high? Every state in the United States has stringent DUI and DWI laws. In New York, drivers there under the influence who cause serious bodily injuries to a child can face up to 15 years in prison, even if it is a first offense. Those who cause the death of a child because of drunk driving can spend up to 25 years in prison. DUI and DWI laws do not differentiate between driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription medications, or alcohol.

It Cannot Be That Bad, Can It?

How will a DUI or DWI affect your criminal rap sheet and a driving record? How about your finances? Each state is different, but no state handles these charges lightly. Each year, thousands of Americans, according to MADD, are killed as a result of someone operating a vehicle while under the influence. Stricter laws, lengthy prison sentences, and hefty fines are becoming increasingly common in every state.

What Next?

Once charged, what about representation? Do you have funds to pay for a dui lawyer, or will you take your chances with a public defender? What about your job while you are incarcerated? What will happen to your home, family, and bills? How about the $10,000 or so you will owe the court for fines, charges, and fees?

Aftermath

Once you have done your time and figured out how to manage the financial aspect, do you think it will be easy to get your license back or get car insurance after your DUI/DWI, even if it is your first offense? Think again. Many auto insurance companies will not cover drivers with DWI/DUI convictions on their records; of the companies who do, the driver is required to obtain an SR-22. An SR-22 is required by the court and states that you have adequate insurance to be on the road and that the coverage is satisfactory to the court. This coverage will cost you 25 to 40 percent more than your normal coverage did, even though your policy remains the same. Once convicted of a DUI/DWI, getting a job is much harder, as many job applications require you to disclose your criminal record. The same is true of rental applications for homes and apartments. A felony makes life much harder.

Are DUIs and DWIs really serious infractions? Absolutely. In fact, they are life-changing infractions.